12:53 PM EDT on Monday, April 24, 2006

Leading up to the NFL Draft, the Journal's Tom E. Curran will profile a player at a "need" position for the Patriots each day. New England has 11 picks in the draft, six in the first four rounds. The Pats' first-round pick is the 21st overall. Profiles are based on our own analysis and interviews, various draft resources and Pro Football Weekly's 2006 Draft Preview book.

TODAY'S PROFILE: DAVIN JOSEPH

POSITION: Offensive line

COLLEGE: Oklahoma

HEIGHT: 6-foot-2

WEIGHT: 311 pounds.

TIME IN THE 40: 5.14

THE LOWDOWN Played guard as a freshman in 2002 after switching over from defensive line. Started 12 of 14 games in 2003 at right guard. In 2004 he missed just three assignments all year at right guard (Pro Football Weekly Draft Preview). Moved to left tackle in 2005 and started all 12 games.

THE PROS Smart and a student of the game who likes to study it, talk it and play it. Pretty good speed, though best off if he's working inside as a guard rather than an edge pass-blocker. Has oven mitts for hands and tentacles for arms. Doesn't mess up or fall for stunts and twists. He plays, as Pats head coach Bill Belichick likes to say, until he hears glass break.

THE CONS Because he's not the ideal height, he is stuck somewhere between guard and tackle. A couple of publications say he doesn't get a good knee bend (vital to being able to change direction and maintain balance without getting tipped). He needs to get a little more powerful in the upper body to get better pop.

COULD HE BE A PATRIOT? Sure does fit a New England profile. He's smart, versatile, competed against high-level competition, takes the game seriously and is a leader. And while the more flashy needs have been often discussed in our draft cards (WR, RB, LB, CB), this kind of player would be very hard to ignore if he's on the board at 52.

COLLECTION OF CARDS "Draft Card" will run every day between now and Friday, which is the eve of the NFL Draft. All entries are archived on projo.com at www.projo.com/patriots